CAE Reading and Use of English Part 2

For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Example: (0) the

Happiness is a state of mind

Research undertaken into 0 the pursuit of happiness has produced some interesting ideas. Apparently, our level of happiness depends on 9 much we invest in it. The hypothesis is that happiness resembles a skill and can therefore be learned — if people are willing to put time and effort 10 perfecting it. Meditation seems to be a key factor and this 11 be scientifically demonstrated. MRI scans performed on people who meditated regularly showed raised levels of positivity in the left-hand side of 12 brains, the part usually connected with happiness. At the same time, they managed to keep the more negative right side 13 check. Does this mean only specialist meditators can be happy? Apparently 14 , as even people who only meditated occasionally demonstrated greater positivity. This could indicate that tweaking the 15 we channel out thoughts, modifying our perception of things around us, can 16 a big difference to our sense of well-being. If true, isn’t it worth putting in some effort?

For this task: Answers with explanations :: Vocabulary